5 Safer Picks Than Andrew Luck or RGIII in the 2012 NFL Draft

The two top stars from the 2011 college football season, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, are certain to be top-five draft picks this year. Their domination at quarterback has been well documented, and most fans around the country know how highly touted they are.

The expectations for these two athletes are unbelievable. Although it is impossible to predict this early, both Luck and Griffin are by no means a guarantee to succeed as professional football players. We have witnessed busts before, and have been let down after months, even years, of hype.

For scouts and team officials who are not in need of a quarterback, or picking in the top three spots, their attention is focused on who will best address their team’s immediate needs in order to contend for the postseason.

Countless mock drafts have been published, but there are five players in particular who fall in the ‘desirability’ category just under Luck and Griffin.

These five superstars have their projected destinations when the NFL Draft takes center stage in April, but I am sure a handful of franchises feel like they would be safe picks who can have an immediate impact on the team.

How would you feel if your favourite team selected one of the following players?

Matt Kalil (USC)

Kalil is an offensive tackle who is a consistent top-five pick in most mock drafts. Unlike his teammate, Matt Barkley, Kalil has chosen to declare for the draft after his junior year.

In what is now religiously being called the “Year of the Quarterback,” Kalil will provide some added protection to whichever signal caller he is blocking for.

Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder showed some great potential in his first season. Knowing he will likely have a guy like Kalil protecting him must be comforting.

Justin Blackmon (OSU)

The electric wide receiver for Oklahoma State has been a sensation all season. He has been a dominant force and is drawing some comparisons to Terrell Owens, minus the locker-room attitude.

For those who did not follow the Cowboys on a weekly basis, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl gave the national audience a sample of what type of force he may become in the NFL.

With his likely destination being the St. Louis Rams, Sam Bradford must be very excited about the prospect of having a talented receiver to throw at.

Morris Claiborne (LSU)

The cornerback from LSU has a wealth of big-game experience. In an offense-driven league, quality DB’s are in high demand for shutting down opposing wide receivers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be one of the favourites to draft Claiborne.

In a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton to compete against, the Bucs will need a stellar defense to contend in the NFC South. Morris Claiborne is certainly an attractive selection for Greg Schiano.

Trent Richardson (Alabama)

The experienced running back from the Crimson Tide is the top RB prospect in April’s draft. Although recent history tells us the NFL is evolving in to a pass-first league, the role of the running back has evolved as well.

Just look at the role Darren Sproles, Ray Rice and Matt Forte played in their respective offenses this past season. Richardson has shown his ability in the receiving game as well, which is becoming an evident trend among NFL running backs.

It is somewhat unsure where he will land in the first round. Cincinnati looks to be an appealing choice. If the Browns decide to pass on Robert Griffin III, Richardson could go as high as fourth.

Devon Still (Penn State)

The defensive tackle from Penn State played very well throughout the season, and had it not been for the Joe Paterno saga, Still may have been more of a household name. He has shown great ability to stop the run and cause havoc for offensive linemen.

At 6-4, 310 pounds, Devon Still has caught the attention of defensive coordinators from around the league. Similar to Richardson, it is tough to predict where he will end up.

If the Seattle Seahawks choose to solve their quarterback issue outside of the draft, they may take a run at Still with the 12th pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles, who hold the 15th pick, would also love to acquire Still’s talent. It is obvious they need to shore up their defensive unit, so they will be ready to pounce if he falls to them.